Windows 11 no connection to shared printer
Patansouis -
Hello,
I just bought a new Lenovo Ideapad 3 17itl6 with Windows 11 version 21.
It works on Wi-Fi connected to the Freebox network, which also has a Windows 7 PC managing an HP LaserJet 4 printer on LPT1. Yes, I know it's outdated, but it works; well, it worked until today. Before the Lenovo, I had an HP Pavilion running Windows 10 that printed on this LaserJet both via Wi-Fi and Ethernet, so there were no issues with sharing.
On the Lenovo, the printer search "select a shared printer by name" goes well; it is detected, but upon validation, I get a message: "Windows is unable to connect to the Windows printer. Please check that the printer is powered on and that its address is correct."
What should I do? I'm stuck because I tried again with the Pavilion and it works fine.
Could Windows 11 be the issue?
Thank you for your opinions.
4 réponses
Do you have access to the PC that shares the printer?
I think you need to redo the sharing for your new computer... Personally, I’m not a fan of computers that share a printer... A print server box is quieter and less energy-consuming (no processor, no hard drive, etc. running).
Hello
The sharing should be done at the Freebox level; it’s much simpler and it works directly regardless of the printer/box sharing mode (WiFi or ethernet).
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Euskadi Ta Askatasuna
Yes, you're right, that's why I specified WiFi (or ethernet, but it's simpler with WiFi), you just need to connect the printer to the box via WiFi, but apparently his equipment is old and there is a significant loss with printers regarding W11... and he won't be able to print without the drivers. Not sure if they exist for W11.
I tried setting up a local LaserJet 4 printer on the Lenovo running Windows 11, it created it even though it doesn't exist???? with drivers that seem fine!!!
My question is to understand why Windows 11 refuses to connect it when it is visible in the network mapping after the desktop it is connected to? But you confirm that Windows 11 seems to eject a good number of printers.
I ordered an adapter cable to connect it to the USB port of the box, I'll see how that goes.
If all else fails, I'll return the Lenovo to Amazon and buy a laptop running Windows 10 equipped with 8GB of RAM because my issue is the 4GB RAM on the Pavilion, which is slow with certain photo applications. I'll lock the Windows 10 computer to prevent the installation of 11 and later I'll see, but this printer is solid, reliable, a cartridge costs €80 every two to three years, plus I have spare parts, drum, roller...
What you need to see is if a driver is available for W11..
Since the printer is old, it's indeed not certain that a driver exists.. A driver for W11 is needed.. However, HP has created a "universal" driver for non-color laser printers... It should normally work well
As for the cable... Personally, I don't know many that work properly!.. Good luck.
In my opinion, Windows 11 doesn't install drivers; at no point does it ask for them.
When the printer is selected on the network, it goes to "connecting..." and then 20 seconds later displays "Windows is unable to connect to the printer, please check the number and the cable", basically as if it were absent.
I'm going to try via USB; I'm aware that it's not a sure thing.
Thank you for taking an interest in my issue.